MLB Team Preview – Houston Astros
The Houston Astros were an MLB betting surprise in 2008, staying afloat in the tough NL Central division and winning 86 games. Even though 86 wins doesn’t scream “playoff contender,” I still think that total was a fluke. The Astros are thin on talent, particularly in the pitching department, and they’ll be hard pressed to match last season’s online betting “success.”
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Even though Minute Maid Park is no longer the bandbox it’s reputed to be, it’s still somewhat kind to hitters and the Astros have a handful of guys who can tear the cover off the ball. At 33, Lance Berkman still hasn’t lost a step; in fact, he stole a career-high 18 bags last year. He remains one of baseball’s most powerful and patient hitters. Carlos Lee is as underrated as he is fat, and that’s saying a lot. Year in, year out, he crushes the ball; he was on his way to career highs last season before missing the last two months with a badly broken finger.
It’s tough to say if the two boppers in the middle of the order will have enough support to keep the Astros competitive in the 2009 MLB odds. Supposed future star Hunter Pence took a big step backward in his first full season, seeing his average drop by over 50 points. He’ll have to cut his strikeouts if he wants to become an All-Star. What about Miguel Tejada? Between his probation, Mitchell Report whispers and his sudden drop in power, he can’t be counted on to fuel the Astros’ attack. The rest of the lineup is a rag-tag bunch of serviceable-yet-flawed hitters like all-speed, nothing-else Michael Bourn and Kazuo “anal fissure” Matsui.
The Astros’ rotation is a real question mark at the sportsbook right now. Roy Oswalt may take a bumpy road to get there, but he always gets his 15-plus wins and sub-4.00 ERA. He’ll do it again, but who else will step up for the ‘Stros? Wandy Rodriguez could be up to the task; he dominates at home and is really starting to strike guys out. A breakout year from him could go a long way. After those two starters, however, the rotation is shallower than a Wayans Brothers movie.
The bullpen is a patchwork unit for the most part, but the Astros do have a truly dynamic stopper in Jose Valverde. He’s very hard to hit and doesn’t walk a ton of guys. How dominant is he? Try 414 strikeouts in 322 career innings. If Houston ever gives him leads in the MLB odds this season, he’ll close them out most of the time.
It’s not a great time to be an Astros fan. The Central belongs to the Cubs right now, and It’s the Brewers, Cardinals and Reds (???) that will push them if anyone does. Don’t be surprised if the Astros’ lack of depth leaves them on the wrong side of .500 in MLB betting this season.
